It may be "back to school" for some residents of Austin, but that doesn't mean the summer fun has come to an end. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

20th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival (August 29) – "Eat the heat" at one of the largest annual contests in the world. Non–perishable food or cash donations to the Capital Area Food Bank will grant you admission to this popular event, which features music, raffle prizes and more than 350 hot sauce entries.

Austin Street Magic Festival (September 2) – Head to downtown Austin for food, drinks, crafts, a hula hoop contest and performances by magicians, musicians, jugglers, clowns, ventriloquists, puppeteers and balloon twisters. Admission is free.

Austin Museum Day (September 19) – With more than 30 museums offering free exhibitions and activities, the only dilemma you'll be faced with is determining how to squeeze so much fun into one day.

Fantastic Fest (September 23 – 30) – Named "the most important film festival in North America" by Texas Monthly, Fantastic Fest features horror, fantasy, sci–fi, action and various movies from around the world at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on South Lamar and the Paramount Theater.

Of course, these events are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the fun Austin has to offer. Whatever your interest, Austin's got an upcoming event just for you!

The Fourth of July is upon us, and in the Austin area there are plenty of celebratory events to choose from. Below are just a few hot spots Austinites can visit for Independence Day fun.

The H–E–B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks: Pack a picnic and head out to Auditorium Shores at The Long Center for the biggest Fourth of July celebration in Austin. Free to the public, festivities include patriotic music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m. and an extravagant fireworks show over Lady Bird Lake at 9:30 p.m. Early arrival is recommended for prime seating.

Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic: Make your way to The Backyard for Willie Nelson's renowned Fourth of July Picnic, which has been taking place for more than 30 years. Doors to the picnic open at 10:00 a.m., with the opening ceremony beginning at 11:00 a.m. The celebration features live performances by several musicians, including Willie himself. Purchase your tickets as soon as possible to secure your place at this famous Austin-area tradition.

4th of July Celebration at Seaholm Power Plant: The Electric Company is hosting their Independence Day celebration downtown at the Seaholm Power Plant. This free, family-friendly event starts at 4:00 p.m. with food, drinks and live performances by multiple musicians. The festivities will close with a spectacular fireworks display at sunset.

Whether you celebrate at or away from your home, it is important to remember that it's illegal for citizens to use or sell fireworks within the City of Austin, as they pose several safety hazards. That said, sparklers, smoke bombs, glow worms and various noisemakers are not classified as common fireworks and are legal to use.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Now that Memorial Day weekend has come and gone and the temperature continues to climb, it feels as if summer is officially upon us. But don't be intimidated by the heat — there are plenty of fun activities to do outdoors. Below are several Austin classics:

Blues on the Green - Don't miss out on this free summer music series, held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every other Wednesday night June through August. Bring a blanket or chair, put your dog on a leash and head over to Zilker Park's Rock Island (north side of Barton Springs Road) to hear from musical guests such as Alejandro Escovedo and Amy Cook. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner or support the local vendors selling food and drink. Blues on the Green 2010 kicks off on June 9.

First Thursday - Even if you don't live in South Austin, it's worth taking a trip to South Congress Avenue the first Thursday of every month to enjoy the laid-back, block-party feel of this event. During First Thursday, shops between Barton Springs Road and Elizabeth Street keep their doors open until at least 10 p.m., with some offering special discounts and free drinks. Take the whole family to enjoy live music, shopping, tasty treats and Austin's warm summer nights.

Barton Springs Pool --- You haven't had a real Austin summer until you've made it to Barton Springs Pool, located within Zilker Park. Though open year-round, the spring-feed pool water-which hovers around 70 °F-feels especially refreshing during the hot summer months. Make a splash anytime between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Friday through Wednesday.

Zilker Summer Musical - Located across from Barton Springs Pool is the "longest-running outdoor musical production with pay-what-you-wish admission in the United States today" - the Zilker Summer Musical. This event is held at dusk Thursday through Sunday during July and August, featuring family-friendly performances such as "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Beauty and the Beast." The tradition continues in 2010 with performances of "Annie" beginning July 9.

March is upon us, and that means there are plenty of fun events to keep you busy in Austin, Texas.

Zilker Park Kite Festival (March 7, 2010) - The first Sunday in March brings one of the most anticipated outdoor family events in Austin: the Zilker Park Kite Festival. Whether you bring a kite to fly or a blanket to sit and watch the action, this event is free and open to the public.

South By Southwest (March 12 - 21, 2010) - Thousands of people flock to Austin every March for this series of music, film and interactive conferences and festivals, networking events and after parties that keep attendee's creative juices flowing well beyond the last official event. SXSW is a must-attend for those looking to discover emerging musical artists, film-making trends and/or social media tools that are shaping the future.

Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo (March 12 - 27, 2010) - Whether you're a homegrown cowboy or someone who's just along for the ride, Rodeo Austin has something for you to enjoy. Between the competitive events, fairgrounds and nightly concerts, you'll find yourself saying "Yee haw!" before you know it.

Great Urban Race Austin (March 27, 2010) - If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, this event is for you. Teams of two will discover Austin in a fresh new way while racing to solve twelve clues. Costumes are encouraged.

The list doesn't stop here. Check out the events calendar compiled by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau for a deeper look into the action-packed month ahead.

You’ve probably heard the term “green” used to describe everything from grocery bags and cars to buildings and cities. But what does “green” mean for Austin, and what does it mean for you?

While “green” can refer to practices that promote healthy living and aid in resource conservation, it’s often used in reference to practices that reduce one’s carbon footprint, boost sustainability and increase energy efficiency.

Austin consistently ranks high on lists of America's greenest cities, largely in part to its Climate Protection Program, which puts Austin on track to become carbon neutral by 2020. Austin is also among cities leading the nation in the number of Energy Star qualified homes available to homebuyers. These homes meet strict energy efficient standards in regard to insulations systems, windows, construction and appliances.

Because Austin takes seriously its mission to "go green," Central Texans are buying more energy efficient homes, saving money through reduced energy costs and living in a city on track to become “the most livable city in the country.”

So, what does “green” mean for Austin homeowners? In short: lower energy costs, a more sustainable standard of living and, of course, bragging rights.

To learn more about Austin’s Climate Protection program and how it affects Austin homeowners, read our post on “Understanding’s Austin’s energy efficiency ordinance.”

If you’re in the market to buy or sell Austin real estate, you may have heard of Austin’s energy efficiency ordinance, officially known as the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance.

Under the ECAD Ordinance, some Austin homeowners are required to have an energy audit performed on their home prior to selling it and share that audit report with potential buyers. In most cases, an audit is required for homes lying within the Austin city limits that are older than 10 years and serviced by Austin Energy. (Exceptions apply, so talk to your REALTOR® about whether the ordinance will affect you.)

Though the ECAD ordinance took effect June 1, 2009, the city’s effort to “go green” and stop manufacturing excess carbon dioxide (CO2) dates back much further.

In 2007, 70% of the city’s electricity was being used by homes and commercial buildings, with the average home generating twice the greenhouse-gas emissions as the average car (roughly 11,450 pounds of CO2 yearly, according to the Environmental Protection Agency).

With this in mind, the Austin City Council established the Austin Climate Protection Plan (ACPP) with the goal of making Austin “the most livable city in the country” and a carbon-neutral city by 2020.

As the ACPP consists of five components, each with their own specific initiatives, the ECAD Ordinance was created to address but a single part of the puzzle: how to pursue energy efficient upgrades for existing buildings. The ECAD Ordinance seeks to educate homeowners on potential for energy savings within their home in hopes that they will voluntarily opt for cost-effective upgrades.

Energy audits are good for 10 years, so consider having an audit performed on your home now to prevent a last-minute scramble and begin benefiting from the audit findings today. For more information on the ECAD Ordinance, talk to your Central Texas REALTOR®.

Thinking of buying or selling real estate in Austin, Texas? That’s fantastic!

As history has proven, Texas survives. That’s why we are ranked as the top state for business and jobs in the current economy, the second largest cyber state and fourth best tax free haven.

And located in the heart of the Lone Star State, Austin has been recognized among the top 10 best cities to live.

So what does this mean for Austin’s housing market?

Undeniably, effects of the national economic crisis have trickled into nearly every city in the nation. However, because of its location, diverse economy, and business opportunities Austin has been named the city best poised for recession recovery by Forbes, with its economy projected to grow by $5 billion by 2010.

Though Austin has taken its lumps by way of decreased sales volume along with everyone else, “the bloom is back in Austin’s yellow rose” according to Boyce Thompson of Builder, which ranked Austin the second healthiest housing market for 2009 based on its location, pricing and population trends, number of building permits and local job growth.

Austin real estate has proven a strong investment. Those who purchased a home at Austin’s median price six years ago would find that it has increased in value by 20 percent. The city continues to “hold the line” on home value because Central Texas real estate prices have not experienced periods of rapid inflation or deflation.

AustinHomeSearch.com is one of the most trusted and comprehensive online resources available to find a REALTOR®, browse properties and learn more about Austin real estate. Why not begin your Austin home search today?

Whether you’ve just moved to Austin or have lived here your entire life, there’s always something new to learn about the capital of Texas, a city constantly buzzing with music, business, technology, outdoor adventure and family fun.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Austin as the third best place to live, based on its economy, affordability and fun things to do—and that comes as no surprise to native Austinites or the thousands of people who find jobs, buy real estate and first experience the social scene in Austin every year.

Officially recognized as the "Live Music Capital of the World" since 1991, Austin is stage to a wide variety of popular and up-and-coming artists. Well-known music festivals including Austin City Limits and SXSW (South by Southwest) attract music lovers from around the world, and live music can be heard in Austin every day of the week.

Relocating to Austin? Good choice. Austin has been named the best city for a "fresh start" and the region best poised for recession recovery. In addition, Austin maintains its status as a fit city, boasting low levels of chronic health conditions and offering a wide variety of outdoor and indoor fitness activities.

With so many entertainment, business and real estate opportunities in Austin, it can be hard to know where to begin. AustinHomeSearch.com is your source for community and Austin real estate information. Visit the "Find a Property" and "Find a REALTOR®" sections to begin your Austin real estate search today!